Credit: BNS
Credit BNS

When Russians invaded Ukraine and started the war, many famous basketball people went publicly to address Russia's violence and aggression.

Arvydas Sabonis

Arvydas  Sabonis
Position: C
Age: 57
Height: 220 cm
Weight: 138 kg
Birth place: Kaunas, Lithuania

The legendary Lithuanian basketball player Arvydas Sabonis expressed his opinion as well.

"I don't communicate with Russians. I chatted with Alexander Volkov, other Ukrainians. They are all out of balance," Sabonis told Rokas Pakenas of 15min.lt. "Propaganda did not begin yesterday. Everyone got used to living well. And when it's good, it's good - what to change.

We will never be able to believe these liars ever again in our lives. Pigeons of peace... A country of peace! Is there such peace here? To bomb children and free people? No words. I have no desire to communicate with them."

Sabonis also added: "Statistics show that 70% of people in Russia support this war. Of course, I hope this number is much lower. But the fact that my word will change little there. You cannot do much. Who understands the situation - understands it. And you will not change the opinion of others. Russia has shown the whole world that we cannot believe in this country."

According to Hall of Famer, he cannot imagine how EuroLeague clubs from Russia could participate in the strongest continental league or how Ukrainians could compete with Russian athletes.

"There is no question that Russian clubs need to be excluded from the EuroLeague. And when they will be able to return is hard to say. It is unclear what will happen with this war.

I have no idea how Ukrainians could play sports together with Russian representatives in the future. It is hard to imagine such a scenario. Now Slavs are killing Slavs. Two Slavs attacked one Slav. Cruel. Brother kills brother. It may take half a century, but the grievances will be persisted," Arvydas Sabonis spoke.

A couple of days ago, a photo of the Olympic champion and legendary Ukrainian basketball player, Alexander Volkov, appeared on social media. He was in full military gear, defending his homeland.

Arvydas Sabonis is not the first Lithuanian basketball legend to condemn Russia's actions.

Previously, Olympic champions, Modestas Paulauskas and Valdemaras Chomicius, former head coach of Lithuanian and Soviet national teams, Vladas Garastas, and FC Barcelona mastermind Sarunas Jasikevicius openly criticized Russian aggression.

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